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Trump reportedly asks for toppled Confederate statue to be put back up – live Trump reportedly asks for toppled Confederate statue to be put back up – live
(about 1 hour later)
Reports say Trump called interior secretary David Bernhardt to ask officials to restore Albert Pike monument in Washington – follow the latest liveReports say Trump called interior secretary David Bernhardt to ask officials to restore Albert Pike monument in Washington – follow the latest live
Joe Biden delivered remarks on healthcare in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this afternoon, as more than half of US states report increases in the number of new coronavirus cases.
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee accused Trump of mishandling the US response to the pandemic.
“He’s like a child who can’t believe this has happened to him,” Biden said. “All his whining and self-pity. Well, this pandemic didn’t happen to him; it happened to all of us. And his job isn’t to whine about it. His job is to do something about it.”
Biden criticized Trump for continuing to attack the Affordable Care Act as the country grapples with this crisis. The administration, for example, is still part of a lawsuit aimed at overturning the ACA.
“If Donald Trump refuses to end his senseless crusade against health coverage, I look forward to ending it for him,” the former vice president said.
“The presidency is a duty to care,” Biden added. “A duty to care for everyone, not just who voted for you, but to care for everyone, all of us.”
California’s governor Gavin Newsom moments ago declared a budget emergency in the most populous US state, blaming expenses and the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Such an action allows the state to tap into its so-called rainy day fund for extra resources, Reuters reports.
California anticipates a $54.3-billion budget deficit due to costs and a drop in revenue linked to the pandemic.
Under a deal reached with lawmakers, the state would use about $16 billion from the rainy day fund over the next three years to help right its budget, said HD Palmer, a spokesman for the governor’s finance department.
The finance department has projected a 25.5% decline in personal income taxes collected by the state, and a 27% decline in sales taxes and a 23% drop in corporate taxes.
In addition, the state expects to spend more than projected in 2020 because of expenses related to the coronavirus pandemic of about $13 billion.
California is having a torrid time amid the latest surge in coronavirus infections sweeping southern and western states.
You can read the latest national report on this here.
The Guardian reported yesterday that California has seen a 69% rise in coronavirus cases in just two days, Newsom said, as the state continues to battle a surge of new infections and hospitalizations.
The state has witnessed an alarming jump in cases as communities reopen from lockdown restrictions. Los Angeles county now leads the nation with more than 88,500 cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Numbers have shot upward in recent days, rising from 4,230 on Sunday to 7,149 by Tuesday, according to public health data. The weekend also saw a record number of hospitalizations due to the virus. The state is currently at 30% of its ICU capacity.
An attempt to block publication of a book by Donald Trump’s niece has been dismissed by a court in New York.
Ted Boutros, an attorney for Mary Trump, tweeted that a court in Queens dismissed a lawsuit brought by the president’s brother, Robert Trump.
“The court has promptly and correctly held that it lacks jurisdiction to grant the Trump family’s baseless request to suppress a book of utmost public importance and concern,” Boutros said.
“We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech.”
There seems little doubt it will not end the matter.
Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man by Mary L Trump is due out on 28 July. According to publisher Simon & Schuster, also behind John Bolton’s tell-all which a federal judge declined to block last week, the trained clinical psychologist will “shine a bright light on the dark history of their family” and offer a “revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J Trump and the toxic family that made him”.
The publisher also promises “a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse” that explain the inner workings of “one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families”.
Mary Trump has expressed opposition to her uncle on Twitter and was reportedly a key source for the New York Times’ Pulitzer-winning reporting on the Trump family’s tax affairs. But almost 20 years ago, she signed a non-disclosure agreement concerning litigation over a family will.
In an interview with the news site Axios last week, President Trump said: “She’s not allowed to write a book. You know, when we settled with her and her brother, who I do have a good relationship with – she’s got a brother, Fred, who I do have a good relationship with, but when we settled, she has a total ... signed a nondisclosure.”
On Thursday Mary Trump’s brother told the Daily Mail he believed the NDA meant his sister should not be allowed to publish.
In a statement which the Mail said was provided by Eric Trump, the president’s second son, Fred Trump III said: “At the time that our lawsuit with the family was resolved, Mary and I had each received a generous financial settlement from the family and were more than willing to agree to execute non-disclosure provisions.
“In my opinion, those provisions of the 2001 settlement agreement are still in effect and binding today and I have continued to honor them.”
It was also reported that the president’s younger brother, Robert Trump, spent 10 days in intensive care before filing his suit to stop his niece.
In a statement to the New York Times after he left hospital the 72-year-old said: “Her attempt to sensationalize and mischaracterize our family relationship after all of these years for her own financial gain is both a travesty and injustice to the memory of my late brother, Fred, and our beloved parents. I and the rest of my entire family are so proud of my wonderful brother, the president, and feel that Mary’s actions are truly a disgrace.”
Trump’s nominee to lead the Manhattan US attorney’s office would not commit to recusing himself from investigations involving the president during a House hearing today.Trump’s nominee to lead the Manhattan US attorney’s office would not commit to recusing himself from investigations involving the president during a House hearing today.
Securities and exchange commission chairman Jay Clayton -- who has been named as Trump’s replacement for Geoffrey Berman, after the top prosecutor’s abrupt firing this weekend -- was pressed on the issue while testifying before a House financial services subcommittee.Securities and exchange commission chairman Jay Clayton -- who has been named as Trump’s replacement for Geoffrey Berman, after the top prosecutor’s abrupt firing this weekend -- was pressed on the issue while testifying before a House financial services subcommittee.
Democratic congressman Carolyn Maloney asked Clayton if he would “commit, right here, to recusing yourself” from investigations involving the president’s businesses or associates.Democratic congressman Carolyn Maloney asked Clayton if he would “commit, right here, to recusing yourself” from investigations involving the president’s businesses or associates.
Clayton replied, “What I will commit to do, which is what I commit to in my current job, is to approach the job with independence and to follow all ethical rules.”Clayton replied, “What I will commit to do, which is what I commit to in my current job, is to approach the job with independence and to follow all ethical rules.”
The abrupt firing of Berman prompted speculation that Trump was looking to crack down on the investigations coming out of the southern district of New York office.The abrupt firing of Berman prompted speculation that Trump was looking to crack down on the investigations coming out of the southern district of New York office.
The president has previously lashed out against administration officials, such as former attorney general Jeff Sessions, who recuse themselves from high-profile investigations.The president has previously lashed out against administration officials, such as former attorney general Jeff Sessions, who recuse themselves from high-profile investigations.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell encouraged Americans to wear masks to limit the spread of coronavirus, as more than half of US states report increases in new cases.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell encouraged Americans to wear masks to limit the spread of coronavirus, as more than half of US states report increases in new cases.
“I think that’s what people ought to do,” the Kentucky Republican told an ABC News reporter. “That’s what we’re doing in the Senate, and that’s what I’m counseling other people to do.”“I think that’s what people ought to do,” the Kentucky Republican told an ABC News reporter. “That’s what we’re doing in the Senate, and that’s what I’m counseling other people to do.”
Some Republican lawmakers, including senators Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, have similarly encouraged their constituents to cover their faces.Some Republican lawmakers, including senators Mitt Romney and Marco Rubio, have similarly encouraged their constituents to cover their faces.
However, other congressional Republicans have taken a much more laissez-faire approach to encouraging mask usage.However, other congressional Republicans have taken a much more laissez-faire approach to encouraging mask usage.
At the end of a House freedom caucus press conference moments ago, caucus chairman Andy Biggs was asked whether his Arizona consitutents should wear masks. “It’s up to them,” Biggs said.At the end of a House freedom caucus press conference moments ago, caucus chairman Andy Biggs was asked whether his Arizona consitutents should wear masks. “It’s up to them,” Biggs said.
A photo of the press conference indicated only one of the Republican lawmakers was wearing a mask during the event.A photo of the press conference indicated only one of the Republican lawmakers was wearing a mask during the event.
House minority leader Kevin McCarthy dodged a question about Trump using a racist term to describe coronavirus.House minority leader Kevin McCarthy dodged a question about Trump using a racist term to describe coronavirus.
“When we have seen a spike in coronavirus, you’re concerned about somebody and the way they name it,” McCarthy said on Capitol Hill. “That’s appalling to me.”“When we have seen a spike in coronavirus, you’re concerned about somebody and the way they name it,” McCarthy said on Capitol Hill. “That’s appalling to me.”
Trump received widespread criticism for referring to coronavirus as “Kung Flu” during his Saturday rally in Tulsa, as a number of states report increases in new cases of the virus.Trump received widespread criticism for referring to coronavirus as “Kung Flu” during his Saturday rally in Tulsa, as a number of states report increases in new cases of the virus.
Of course, McCarthy’s response to the question ignores the fact that Trump is simultaneosuly downplaying the surge in new cases, incorrectly insisting that the increase is due to expanded testing.Of course, McCarthy’s response to the question ignores the fact that Trump is simultaneosuly downplaying the surge in new cases, incorrectly insisting that the increase is due to expanded testing.
In reality, many public health experts have said the surge in new cases is more attributable to states reopening and Americans relaxing social distancing practices.In reality, many public health experts have said the surge in new cases is more attributable to states reopening and Americans relaxing social distancing practices.
House speaker Nancy Pelosi ruled out the idea of impeaching attorney general William Barr, after one Democratic member of the House judiciary committee called for it.House speaker Nancy Pelosi ruled out the idea of impeaching attorney general William Barr, after one Democratic member of the House judiciary committee called for it.
Pelosi said during a Washington Post Live event, “131 days from now, we will have the solution to many problems, one of them being Barr.”Pelosi said during a Washington Post Live event, “131 days from now, we will have the solution to many problems, one of them being Barr.”
Pelosi’s comment comes a day after the judiciary committee held a hearing on the politicization of the justice department, during which several justice department veterans accused Barr of undermining the rule of law.Pelosi’s comment comes a day after the judiciary committee held a hearing on the politicization of the justice department, during which several justice department veterans accused Barr of undermining the rule of law.
“Anyone who saw that testimony will know that Barr is a mess,” Pelosi said of the hearing. “He is a disgrace to the department of justice.”“Anyone who saw that testimony will know that Barr is a mess,” Pelosi said of the hearing. “He is a disgrace to the department of justice.”
Democratic congressman Steve Cohen said during yesterday’s hearing, “We should pursue impeachment of Bill Barr because he is reigning terror on the rule of law.”Democratic congressman Steve Cohen said during yesterday’s hearing, “We should pursue impeachment of Bill Barr because he is reigning terror on the rule of law.”
But Pelosi indicated she would rely on the November election to oust Barr from his role.But Pelosi indicated she would rely on the November election to oust Barr from his role.
Multiple Trump campaign staffers are reportedly now quarantining after attending the president’s Tulsa rally and interacting with several colleagues who later tested positive for coroanvirus.Multiple Trump campaign staffers are reportedly now quarantining after attending the president’s Tulsa rally and interacting with several colleagues who later tested positive for coroanvirus.
CNN reports:CNN reports:
Trump received criticism for holding the indoor rally as a number of states, including Oklahoma, reported increases in new coronavirus cases.Trump received criticism for holding the indoor rally as a number of states, including Oklahoma, reported increases in new coronavirus cases.
Six campaign staffers tested positive for the virus shortly before the rally began, but Trump moved ahead with the event anyway. Two additional staffers who attended the rally have since tested positive as well.Six campaign staffers tested positive for the virus shortly before the rally began, but Trump moved ahead with the event anyway. Two additional staffers who attended the rally have since tested positive as well.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Another 1.5 million Americans filed for unemployment last week. About 47 million Americans have now submitted unemployment claims since the start of the coronavirus crisis. The weekly number has leveled off in recent weeks, but the figure remains worrisomely high as many states report increases in new coronavirus cases.Another 1.5 million Americans filed for unemployment last week. About 47 million Americans have now submitted unemployment claims since the start of the coronavirus crisis. The weekly number has leveled off in recent weeks, but the figure remains worrisomely high as many states report increases in new coronavirus cases.
The treasury department sent $1.4 billion worth of stimulus payments to dead people. The direct payments, which were approved as part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill, were sent to more than 1 million Americans who had already died, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report.The treasury department sent $1.4 billion worth of stimulus payments to dead people. The direct payments, which were approved as part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill, were sent to more than 1 million Americans who had already died, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report.
Trump reportedly asked for a toppled Confederate statue to be put back up. According to NBC News, the president personally requested that the DC statue of Confederate general Albert Pike, which was torn down by protesters last week, be put back up.Trump reportedly asked for a toppled Confederate statue to be put back up. According to NBC News, the president personally requested that the DC statue of Confederate general Albert Pike, which was torn down by protesters last week, be put back up.
The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.The blog will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
The governor of Texas is temporarily pausing all additional reopening, as the state grapples with a surge in new cases of coronavirus.The governor of Texas is temporarily pausing all additional reopening, as the state grapples with a surge in new cases of coronavirus.
“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” Republican governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.“As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,” Republican governor Greg Abbott said in a statement.
“The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business.”“The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business.”
Abbott announced earlier today that all hospitals in Harris, Travis, Bexar and Dallas counties must also stop elective surgeries, as many hospitals report their intensive care units are nearing full capacity.Abbott announced earlier today that all hospitals in Harris, Travis, Bexar and Dallas counties must also stop elective surgeries, as many hospitals report their intensive care units are nearing full capacity.
Texas officials reported yesterday that they had confirmed 5,551 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, setting a new single-day record.Texas officials reported yesterday that they had confirmed 5,551 new cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, setting a new single-day record.
Trump has personally requested that a statue of a Confederate general be put back up after protesters in Washington tore the monument down, according to NBC News.Trump has personally requested that a statue of a Confederate general be put back up after protesters in Washington tore the monument down, according to NBC News.
NBC Washington reports:NBC Washington reports:
Protesters in Washington tore down the Pike statue last week. The statue has been a center of controversy for decades, with a number of local officials calling for its removal.Protesters in Washington tore down the Pike statue last week. The statue has been a center of controversy for decades, with a number of local officials calling for its removal.
Trump has said he plans to sign an executive order this week on protecting federal monuments and punishing those who deface them, as Confederate statues have been targeted across the country. Activists have long denounced Confederate statues as monuments to white supremacy.Trump has said he plans to sign an executive order this week on protecting federal monuments and punishing those who deface them, as Confederate statues have been targeted across the country. Activists have long denounced Confederate statues as monuments to white supremacy.
Trump is again tweeting away, as he makes his way to Joint Base Andrews to fly to Wisconsin for a tour of a shipbuilding facility.Trump is again tweeting away, as he makes his way to Joint Base Andrews to fly to Wisconsin for a tour of a shipbuilding facility.
The president first dismissed Carly Fiorina’s announcement that she will be voting for Joe Biden, saying, “She lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe. No complaints!!!”The president first dismissed Carly Fiorina’s announcement that she will be voting for Joe Biden, saying, “She lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe. No complaints!!!”
Fiorina, who ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican nomination, told the Atlantic she would be voting for Biden because Americans need “real leadership that can unify the country.”Fiorina, who ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican nomination, told the Atlantic she would be voting for Biden because Americans need “real leadership that can unify the country.”
The president also repeated his widely disputed claim that the country’s number of new coronavirus cases is increasing because of expanded testing.The president also repeated his widely disputed claim that the country’s number of new coronavirus cases is increasing because of expanded testing.
“The number of ChinaVirus cases goes up, because of GREAT TESTING, while the number of deaths (mortality rate), goes way down,” Trump tweeted, once again trying to pin the blame for the pandemic on Beijing.“The number of ChinaVirus cases goes up, because of GREAT TESTING, while the number of deaths (mortality rate), goes way down,” Trump tweeted, once again trying to pin the blame for the pandemic on Beijing.
However, public health experts have said the rise in new cases is more attributable to states reopening and Americans relaxing their social distancing practices.However, public health experts have said the rise in new cases is more attributable to states reopening and Americans relaxing their social distancing practices.
Testifying before the House energy and commerce committee this week, Dr Anthony Fauci noted the number of coronavirus deaths often lags behind the number of new cases, predicting the country could see a rising death toll in the weeks to come.Testifying before the House energy and commerce committee this week, Dr Anthony Fauci noted the number of coronavirus deaths often lags behind the number of new cases, predicting the country could see a rising death toll in the weeks to come.
The New York officer who was caught on camera over the weekend using a banned chokehold on a black man has now been arrested, the NYPD said.The New York officer who was caught on camera over the weekend using a banned chokehold on a black man has now been arrested, the NYPD said.
The department said in a statement that David Afanador, who was suspended after footage emerged of him using a chokehold on Ricky Bellevue, was arrested today on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation.The department said in a statement that David Afanador, who was suspended after footage emerged of him using a chokehold on Ricky Bellevue, was arrested today on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation.
The footage sparked outcry, particularly because it came only weeks after the police killing of George Floyd. A video showed a Minneapolis police officer keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.The footage sparked outcry, particularly because it came only weeks after the police killing of George Floyd. A video showed a Minneapolis police officer keeping his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
The NYPD has long banned chokeholds, but the practice has attracted more attention since the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who died after being put in a chokehold by New York police officers. Garner repeatedly told the officers, “I can’t breathe.”The NYPD has long banned chokeholds, but the practice has attracted more attention since the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who died after being put in a chokehold by New York police officers. Garner repeatedly told the officers, “I can’t breathe.”
New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation earlier this month criminalizing the use of police chokeholds.New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation earlier this month criminalizing the use of police chokeholds.
Trump and the first lady visited the Korean War Memorial in Washington to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war.Trump and the first lady visited the Korean War Memorial in Washington to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war.
The president and his wife laid a wreath at the memorial and talked to some of the Korean War veterans present for the ceremony.The president and his wife laid a wreath at the memorial and talked to some of the Korean War veterans present for the ceremony.
The president will go from the ceremony to Joint Base Andrews to travel to Wisconsin, where he will tour and deliver remarks at a shipbuilding facility later today.The president will go from the ceremony to Joint Base Andrews to travel to Wisconsin, where he will tour and deliver remarks at a shipbuilding facility later today.
Trump is once again complaining about Fox News, his favorite news network that has recently attracted more of the president’s criticism.Trump is once again complaining about Fox News, his favorite news network that has recently attracted more of the president’s criticism.
In this case, Trump lashed out against a Fox commentator who correctly noted most of the protesters forcibly removed from Lafayette Square earlier this month were peaceful.In this case, Trump lashed out against a Fox commentator who correctly noted most of the protesters forcibly removed from Lafayette Square earlier this month were peaceful.
“A @FoxNews commentator just ripped me with lies, with nobody defending,” Trump tweeted this morning.“A @FoxNews commentator just ripped me with lies, with nobody defending,” Trump tweeted this morning.
The commentator also recounted how Trump held up a Bible upside down during his widely criticized photo op at St John’s Church. Trump denied doing so, but photos of the event clearly show otherwise.The commentator also recounted how Trump held up a Bible upside down during his widely criticized photo op at St John’s Church. Trump denied doing so, but photos of the event clearly show otherwise.
Meanwhile, more than half of US states are reporting increases in their numbers of new coronavirus cases, and the country’s death toll from the virus is approaching 122,000.Meanwhile, more than half of US states are reporting increases in their numbers of new coronavirus cases, and the country’s death toll from the virus is approaching 122,000.